What does intemperate mean?
Intemperate is a formal adjective meaning excessive, uncontrolled, or lacking moderation. It is commonly applied to conduct, speech, habits, and consumption: an intemperate remark may be excessively harsh or angry, while intemperate eating or drinking means going beyond sensible limits. The word has a strongly negative and disapproving tone, suggesting that the behaviour is not merely large or forceful but beyond what is considered reasonable or restrained. Although it can sometimes sound formal or old-fashioned, it remains useful when the degree of excess itself is important. It is the opposite of temperate, moderate, or restrained, and is often more emphatic than a general description such as 'excessive'.
adjectiveExcessive or uncontrolled in amount, force, or expression; lacking moderation or restraint.
- Excessive or uncontrolled in degree, force, or expression.
- Characterized by overindulgence, especially in eating, drinking, or spending.
- Exceeding proper or customary limits, as in behaviour, speech, or use.
"His intemperate speech inflamed the debate."
"The minister warned that intemperate consumption could cause serious harm."
"She regretted her intemperate remarks and apologised the next morning."
When moderation goes out of the window, it is often intemperate language that makes the loudest impression.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of intemperate
Intemperate comes from the Latin adjective intemperatus, formed from in-, meaning 'not' or 'un-', and temperatus, meaning tempered or moderated. It entered English in the late 16th century, initially with meanings such as excessive and not governed by moderation. The word belongs to a family derived from Latin temperare, 'to moderate' or 'to mix in due proportion', which also underlies temperate, temper, temperament, and temperature.
Related word forms
How intemperate is actually used
The word is formal and strongly disapproving. It is often used for behaviour, speech, or consumption that is excessive or difficult to control, and it can sound more emphatic than simply saying 'excessive'.
Easily confused with intemperate
Impetuous describes acting with sudden, impulsive energy, whereas intemperate emphasizes excess and lack of moderation.
Temperate means moderate and controlled, while intemperate is its opposite and describes conduct or conditions that exceed proper limits.